Whether or not you have gotten into a fender bender or totaled your car, accidents are scary. No matter the cause – weather and road conditions, irresponsible driving behavior or something unforeseen – you should be prepared for any possibility. Even the most careful drivers can get into an accident, which is why we would like to share nine tips to help get you through an accident safely.
1. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries.
If you don’t know how serious the injuries are, call 911 just in case.
2. Remain calm.
This may be easier said than done, but try to remain calm and take a deep breath to keep a clear head during this experience. There may be details you will need to remember later. If the accident was caused by another party, try to keep your cool and be polite.
3. Get moving.
If the accident is minor, move all cars involved to a safe place out of traffic. If the accident is more serious, but you seem well enough to move, bring yourself and any other people involved to the side of the road, away from oncoming traffic. If you have doubt about the well-being of yourself or someone else involved, leave them there. It may be counter-intuitive, but moving someone while they are in a fragile state can cause even more harm – let the professionals handle the situation as they see fit.
4. Take proper safety precautions.
Turn on your hazards and if you have them, use cones to mark off the area. Carrying emergency flares in your trunk is a great idea to ensure that other motorists can see you in the event of an accident.
5. Call the police.
Once everyone involved is as safe as they can be, call the police and inform them of the accident. For accidents like a fender bender, you can call the non-emergency line in your area. If any kind of serious collision occurred, call 911 as soon as you can to make a full report and get the help you need.
6. Take pictures.
If you can, snap a few pictures of each of the cars involved, including the license plate. This will protect you against fraudulent claims from the other people affected.
7. Exchange information.
Collect as much information as you can about the other parties involved, including the driver’s name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver’s license number and license plate number. If you feel that you caused the accident, do not claim fault with the other party – it may make things more difficult for you later.
8. Stay at the scene.
No one should leave the scene of the accident until the police have arrived and you have filed a report. In most states, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident, so stay where you are and wait for further instructions from authorities.
9. Notify your insurance provider.
You can contact your insurance professionals at R.C. Keller & Company to help you file your claim. Give us a call at 847-907-4520 and we will walk you through the process.
Please stay safe out on the roads and be prepared for whatever comes your way.